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Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

  • Chapter
Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) was first reported in 1906 and is currently an acceptable option for surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis. A careful preoperative evaluation is critical, as most complications are approach related. Both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches are utilized for exposing the lower lumbar levels most commonly associated with spondylolisthesis. A wide variety of options are available for the interbody graft, including autogenous bone grafts and titanium cages, as well as graft adjuncts such as bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). Both radiographic results and health related quality of life (HRQOL) studies have established ALIF as a reliable procedure for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Known complications of ALIF include vascular damage, injury to peritoneal viscera, ileus, and retrograde ejaculation.

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Abbreviations

ALIF:

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion

HRQOL:

Health related quality of life

PLIF:

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion

RE:

Retrograde ejaculation

rhBMP-2:

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2

TLIF:

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Spinal Tumors, BJC Institute of Health, Washington University in St. Louis, 425 South Euclid Avenue, 8233, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Johnny Zhao M.D., M.S. & Jacob M. Buchowski M.D., M.S.

  2. Adult and Pediatric Spine Surgeon, Norton Leatherman Spine Center, 210 East Gray Street, Suite 900, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA

    Jeffrey L. Gum M.D.

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Leatherman Spine Center, 550 South Jackson Street, First Floor ACB, 8233, Louisville, KY, 40205, USA

    John R. Dimar II M.D.

Authors
  1. Johnny Zhao M.D., M.S.
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  2. Jeffrey L. Gum M.D.
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  3. John R. Dimar II M.D.
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  4. Jacob M. Buchowski M.D., M.S.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jacob M. Buchowski M.D., M.S. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA

    Adam L. Wollowick

  2. Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA

    Vishal Sarwahi

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Zhao, J., Gum, J.L., Dimar, J.R., Buchowski, J.M. (2015). Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. In: Wollowick, A., Sarwahi, V. (eds) Spondylolisthesis. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7575-1_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7575-1_14

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